Fiji’s Agricultural Renaissance: Is Banana the New Sugar?

Fiji is considering a shift toward bananas as a major export commodity in light of ongoing challenges within its struggling sugar industry. During a recent “Your Voice, Your Fiji” column, Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka acknowledged the difficulties that sugarcane farmers face and emphasized the importance of exploring alternative agricultural exports such as bananas, yams, and pineapples.

Historically, prior to the focus on sugar exports, Fiji had a diverse agricultural sector with a variety of crops. Mr. Rabuka highlighted that native yam varieties, particularly smaller types like taniela leka, vurai, and niu madu, could successfully replace sugarcane farming. These yams are resilient and yield a higher output per acre, potentially increasing farmers’ incomes.

In addition to bananas and yams, the Prime Minister pointed to the potential revival of beef and pineapple production, referencing the vintage Tova Beef canning factory in Tailevu North and a pineapple canning facility in Lautoka as part of a broader strategy. He underlined the necessity of enhancing Fiji’s agricultural exports through organic certification, turning Fiji into a competitive player in the global market by improving biosecurity to safeguard crops from invasive species.

The ongoing conversations about revitalizing Fiji’s agriculture echo themes present in recent studies regarding the sugar industry, where consultants from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) have proposed recommendations for improvement. Their findings assessed the industry’s persistent issues like inefficiencies and high production costs while suggesting a shift toward diversifying agricultural practices.

By promoting a more diverse agricultural output, Fiji may not only mitigate the challenges faced in the sugar sector but also pave the way for a more resilient economy. This proactive stance offers a beacon of hope, signaling a potential rebirth of the agricultural industry in Fiji, where multiple crops can thrive and create sustainable livelihoods for farmers across the nation.